An Events & Reading Program for Babies, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, and Adults!
 
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ (SCPL) Summer Reading Program, A UNIVERSE OF STORIES, begins June 1^st and runs through August 10^th. Our entire program has been revamped this year in order to be more inclusive and to put an even greater focus on reading. Studies have shown that reading just 5 books over the summer can significantly reduce Summer Slide – a term for the learning loss experienced over the summer.
 
This year’s theme, A UNIVERSE OF STORIES, was chosen to help inspire children of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and create their own story. It also celebrates the richness of perspectives that arise when we include stories from diverse people. And finally, we celebrate 50 years of space exploration and the anniversary of the lunar landing.
 

How to Participate
To sign up, visit santacruzpl.org/srp or visit any branch library, the Bookmobile, or a Summer Reading Kickoff event. Signups begin June 1^st and participants have until August 10^th to sign out of the program and receive their rewards. Participants of all ages are encouraged to read  at least 5 books of their own choosing - library books or your own books, ebooks, audio books, or books that are read aloud.
This year we have a new online platform for families and individuals to track their reading over the summer. The platform allows readers to add reviews and claim rewards and includes a mobile app. Paper reading logs are available to those who prefer to track their reading that way.
 
Upon registration, kids and teens ages 0-18 receive a $10 Atlantis Fantasyworld gift certificate good towards a specially curated collection of comics and graphic novels. They will also receive a coupon for a free book from any Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Book or Lobby Sale. After completing the goal of reading 5 books, kids ages 0-11 receive a brand new free book selected by our librarians for summer reading. Kids ages 0-18 receive a certificate for a free game of bowling at Boardwalk Bowl. In addition to these reading rewards, teens ages 12-18 also receive a raffle entry. After reading 5 books adults receive a coupon for a free book from any Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Book or Lobby Sale. All age groups may choose a sticker or a button after reading 5 books.
 
Local businesses have donated fabulous raffle prizes for the raffles for those who read beyond the 5 book summer goal. Each age group receives a raffle entry after completing an additional 5 books, up to a maximum of 20 books. Raffles will be drawn in July and August.
 
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries Summer Reading Program is made possible through our partnership with Atlantis Fantasyworld, the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, and the Collaborative Summer Reading Program (CSRP) cslpreads.org  

 

 

We are excited to present 3 SUMMER READING KICKOFF EVENTS to celebrate the beginning of the new program:
 

• A Universe of Stories with Nikki Borodi

Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, and lunches for this free family event on Sunday June 9th 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Duck Island Stage in San Lorenzo Park.Nikki Borodi is a performance  artist, singer, song-writer, ukulele player and acrobat! She brings her musical storytelling to Santa Cruz with bubbles, balloon animals, magic, and acrobatics to delight all ages.
 

• Coventry & Kalusa

Join us for some fun in the sun and sign-up for summer reading while playing with bubbles, hula hoops and more on Saturday June 15^th at Anna Jean Cumming Park (AKA Blueball Park) from 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. From 12-1 p.m. enjoy a special performance by award winning circus artists Coventry and Kaluza. They will be juggling, hula hooping, playing music, doing some comedy and more
 

• Percussion with James Henry

Sign-up for summer reading while playing with bubbles, hula hoops and more on Sunday June 16^th from 12 – 3 p.m. at Highlands County Park in Ben Lomond. From 1 – 2 p.m. enjoy a special performance by James Henry, master percussionist. Expect to dance, sing, be involved and be transported to many areas of the globe through the sounds of drums and percussion!